David Sedgwick

More children will see the world of books brought to life after a partnership was extended.

Teacher supply agency First Class Supply, based in Whitley Bay, has announced its continued education sponsorship with Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books, in Newcastle.

The partnership will provide Seven Stories with support to deliver outreach work in schools, engaging children with storytelling and helping to inspire a love of reading.

Lesley Robinson, co-director at First Class Supply, said: “Seven Stories is a fantastic resource that we are very lucky to have here in the region.

“We hope that through our continued sponsorship we can enable more children to engage with storytelling and develop a life-long love of reading.”

The partnership also enables First Class Supply to offer a range of free activities to partner schools, both in school and at Seven Stories.

During the first year of their sponsorship, hundreds of school children enjoyed Authors into Schools sessions, Poetry Roadshows, visits to Seven Stories and Reading for Pleasure workshops.

Seven Stories’ learning and participation director, Paul Frost, said: “Seven Stories believes in the power and potential of children’s books and reading to unlock the world for children at a personal, social and emotional level.

“Access to books and stories, and talking about them, develops confidence, aspiration and understanding and plays a crucial role in development, attainment and success in life.

“As a team and as an organisation we are thrilled that First Class Supply are continuing to sponsor the Seven Stories’ Learning Programme.”